2 arrested for deadly fire near Kansas State

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MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) - Two Manhattan residents have been arrested in connection with an apartment fire that killed a Kansas State University researcher earlier this week.

The Riley County Police Department says 20-year-old Patrick Scahill and 19-year-old Virginia Griese were arrested Friday on suspicion of felony murder and aggravated arson. Both were being held on $1 million bond.

Investigators did not say how they tied the suspects to Wednesday night's fire at a 12-unit apartment building near the Kansas State campus.

The only injury was to 34-year-old Vasanta Lakshmi Pallem, a postdoctoral researcher in chemical engineering. She was found in her apartment and died later of smoke inhalation.

Phone numbers for Scahill and Griese could not be found.

Authorities have not said where or how the fire started, as the investigation continues.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.